Superb tyres, but I couldn't trust one as a front tyre- it never actually did anything bad, it just always felt like it would, a better rider could probably get more out of them but I need something a bit more confidence inspiring.

On the rear though, they're stunningly good, fast as all hell on anything halfway solid and they rise to the dizzying heights of "barely adequate" when it gets wet, which is more than most fast tyres. The 2.35 has a nice big volume without being too heavy and is about as fast as the 2.1 (unless on sticky surfaces like clay, or run very low). And both are decently tough unlike some racier rubber.

Can't see past them for summer use on the rear, myself. They still surprise me with what they'll grip on.

I find 2.1s are nice and fast on dirt, rocks and damp trails. If its claggy then obviously they don't clear easily so loose traction.

I've found that on the front if its really dusty and loose it doesn't cope well, I think the side knobs don't bite enough for my riding style. I've had a few races where I've ridden a practice lap and been dumped off the bike through front wheel washout on corners then changed to a Blue Groove for the race and had no traction issues.

Only ever used them in the 29" variety & I think they're pretty sh1te,tried them at all pressures too.They roll ok(but only ok) in the dry,but as soon as it gets wet they're a nightmare & the grip in anything even slightly muddy is rubbish.26" Crossmarks( that isn't a picture of one up there) are much better,as they roll on just the centre tread on hardpack/tarmac etc,they grip well too....

Yes i recommend them there bloody great...front and rear for me, I ride them on all surfaces and commute to work each day, no buzz and no drag plus they work well at the skate park if that's your thing. Perversely I quite like the sketch front end feel which when pushed doesn't actually let you down.

SB8s get surprising traction, but the best bit is how the slide predictably. Great rear tyre for the low drag and predictable slide (which I like at the back) - Nevegal on the front for me so the back always slides first.

High Rollers are also a back tyre for my money - spectacular traction in a straight line given their rolling resistance, but they slide sideways at rhe drop of a hat (more so than the SB8 for me).

That said tonight I had a Fat Albert on the front and a High Roller on the back and that worked excellently.

I used them in the 2.35" size and found them fantastic in the dry, hard, dusty conditions - both front and back. I did find them slower than my other tyres but those were 2.1s and anecdotally, I reckon the 2.1 SB8s would be at least as quick if not faster.

A great tyre, not really understanding the wet comments. I use them front and rear and won Set2Rise on them, and it rained in the afernoon and the first few hrs of the race too, maiing the course a quagmire. Let a bit of pressure out and they gripped amazingly in the wet rooty sections. However, I was on a 29er, which would have helped with traction.

They do slide earlier than some, but it's super predictable and couple that with low rolling resistance and they're a stupidly fast tyre in most conditions as long as you're comfy with a bit of movement under you.

I've got a pair of the 2.35's and i love them! They grip pretty damn well (a lot better than you think!). As said above, if it's bone dry and i'm riding well then i run them front and back, but if it's muddy or if im not feeling so confident i'll stick a maxxis high roller 2.35 60a (single ply) on the front. This has proved to be a very nice combination for trail centre riding as you've got the speed but you can take the corners. They're my favourite tyres by far: strong, grippy and very, very fast!

Don't like mud or loose/mixed stuff too much, but great in dry weather!